Applying for External Fellowships

This process ensures applicants receive equal support with their application, irrespective of the RDM division they are based in. In addition, this coordination allows applicants to benefit from the extensive expertise within RDM, across a broad range of funding bodies.

This process is co-ordinated by the relevant RDM Research Facilitator for each division via funding@rdm.ox.ac.uk.

when to contact us?

If you are looking to submit an intermediate or senior fellowship application, please contact funding@rdm.ox.ac.uk with a copy of your CV, as early as possible so that we can offer the best support. Ideally, a minimum of three months in advance of the funder’s deadline is needed. The earlier you inform us, the more support we can provide.

If you are reading this and are close to submitting an application, please contact us as soon as possible because all intermediate and senior fellowship applications must have the support of the Head of Department and require a letter of support or sponsorship from him setting out this support, which the RDM Research Strategy and Funding team will arrange.

what support do we offer prior to submission?

We offer one-on-one appointments to researchers who are looking to apply for intermediate fellowships. We can discuss potential intermediate fellowship funding opportunities and the best timing for applications. We will also consider if there are areas where your CV can be strengthened, which may increase your chances of success with fellowship applications. 

If you are submitting an intermediate or senior fellowship application:

• Where possible, we will put you in contact with other holders of the fellowship you are applying for, both within RDM and the wider Medical Sciences Division. If possible, we will send you a copy of a successful application to that funder. If an Oxford PI sits on the fellowship review panel, we will seek their input, where appropriate.

• All intermediate applications must go through internal peer-review in RDM, prior to being submitted. A copy of your application must be sent to funding@rdm.ox.ac.uk a minimum of three weeks before the funder deadline. This allows enough time for your application to be reviewed by RDM PIs and anonymised comments to be returned to you, enabling you to strengthen your application prior to submission.

• We will provide a letter of support from the Head of Department, Prof Keith Channon. The RDM Research Strategy and Funding team will coordinate this; please do not go directly to the Head of Department.

what support do we provide for interviews?

If an applicant is invited for an interview, the RDM Research Strategy and Funding team will organise a mock interview with a panel of RDM PIs. These mock interviews provide excellent preparation for the real interview.